Cynicism With a Chance of Empathy

In 1st Peter 4, the writer encourages us to have a "fervent" love for one another. He instructs us:
9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

There is a part of human nature, I believe, that tends to skew toward "grumbling."  We are quick to let people know what is wrong, rather than focus on what is good, perfect and godly.  We speak out our troubles and disappointments - and there is a place for that - but, I think that perhaps we can reject our natural tendencies and refresh our spirits and the hearts of others by offering praise to God. We have to guard against spending time in complaining, when we could be calling attention to the grace and goodness of God in our lives.

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In Philippians 2, we find the exhortation to, basically, watch our words:
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,
15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Cynicism with a chance of empathy.

I'm not sure that's the point of a recent Twitter hashtag, #realclergybios, which was really a vent-fest that was started by two ladies, who wrote on The Salt Collective website:

Like any professional bio the clergy bios found on church websites include the glossy and shiny. But what would happen if we took away the polish? Besides getting a glimpse into the “odd and wondrous,” the sad, but true hilarity of clergy life, we got an inkling of the varied ways the clergy vocation is lived out...

The article, as well as a piece on the Religion News Service website didn't necessarily reflect a whole lot of "hilarity," rather some deep-seated struggles that would perhaps best be shared in a counseling room or a closed ministerial association meeting.  Making light of the frustrations of the life of a pastor is one thing, but I felt that some of the vents in 140 characters or less that were reflected in these pieces went beyond just poking fun at the profession.

Examples:

"I have 2 Masters degrees but still not sure what I believe."

I'm pretty sure that every extemporaneous prayer I offer comes across as incoherent rambling.

Why does almost every "contemporary" service I've ever seen feel like a time machine to 1984? One word: Boomers. LET IT GO

Interestingly enough, my sampling of tweets yielded what I would regard as a feminist thread and even some references to sexual orientation.

One particular user of the hashtag, who is rather prevalent and with whom I disagree, well, most of the time, tweeted out:  "Check out #RealClergyBios. Then tell your pastors/friends in ministry you love them!"

These short bursts, or outbursts, can definitely remind us about the struggles of those who labor among us.   And, I think it illustrates the insufficiency of social media to express legitimate concerns in a substantive way.   Sometimes there are things that are posted that, while seeming like a good idea at the time, reflect poorly on the person who posted them.  A post on Facebook cannot sufficiently produce the healing that may be needed by the one posting.  And, I don't think our heartfelt needs are adequately addressed in 140 characters on Twitter.

There is a place to express our struggles, but should our unsettledness really be on display where all the world can see it?   Should Christians', especially leaders', "dirty laundry" be hung out there for everyone, including those whom we want to come to know Christ, to see?

I believe the beauty of the gospel includes the elements of brokenness and struggle, but our expression to the world ideally shouldn't end there - we can communicate the message that God has met us in our brokenness and provide hope and healing through Jesus Christ.   

Let's get the social media element out of the conversation. I think society skews toward the negative in general, and we have to guard against being people who have a tendency to complain and be people who reflect grace and peace.  That's not to say we should cover up or internalize our struggles or our pain - definitely not.  But, we can find forums and friends with whom we can walk who can provide us with the insight, empathy, or just a listening ear.   And, we have to search our own hearts to make sure we are reflecting contentment, even when we may face discouragement, and we will.  And, hopefully, we as the body of Christ, will be there for one another, shepherds and sheep.